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Barefoot Coffee Roasters in a unique partnership with Finca Vista Hermosa coffee farm in Guatemala is building a medical clinic for farm workers and their families.

Santa Clara, CA (PRWEB)October 4, 2004

As the Coffee Crisis ravages many coffee producing countries it is a welcome change to hear some good news coming out of these coffee origin nations. Barefoot Coffee Roasters, as part of their Cause and Effect program, has developed a unique partnership to bring not only financial relief but medical relief as well to the hard working coffee farmers of Finca Vista Hermosa in Guatemala. Barefoot Coffee Roasters is donating money to fund the building of a medical clinic for the farm workers and their families. In addition to the cash donation Barefoot Coffee Roasters is also making the trek down to Guatemala with a group of Baristas, roasters and customers to actually help build the clinic early in 2005.

ÂFor years at the plantation we have been fortunate enough to host visiting groups of doctors to be able to offer medical attention not only to workers, but to anyone who shows up with a need.Â Said Edwin Maritinez, Finca Vista Hermosa coffee plantation.ÂUntil now we have swept a clean spot in the dirt and hung plastic tarp over ropes for walls to set up clinic. We need a more adequate structure and we are thrilled as a small family business to see customers volunteer to get their hands dirty getting involved with such a project at coffee origin. We are excited that Andy has taken the initiative with Barefoot Coffee Roasters to commit to paving the way for this project. This will facilitate meeting vital health needs for hundreds each year, giving them a healthier future. This is something you can not put a price on."

Vista Hermosa Guatemala is organically grown under native shade trees and tended by well trained farmers who take great pride in their finished product. Barefoot Coffee Roasters pays far more than Fair Trade prices for this remarkable coffee ensuring that farmers are paid fair wages and that the farm can invest back into their production.

While Barefoot Coffee Roasters provides sustainable support to the global community by purchasing coffee directly from farmers and buying Fair Trade coffees, the creation of these special blends highlights the companyÂs commitment to bring that support to the local community.

ÂThere is only one true way to defeat the growing Coffee Crisis.Â says Andy Newbom, CEO of Barefoot Coffee Roasters. ÂPurchasing world-class, specialty quality coffees directly from the farmers without the myriad middlemen ensures that all of the profits stays in their hands where it belongs. And for a world renowned grower like Finca Vista Hermosa with their ecologically sound growing practices, progressive and caring worker treatment and amazingly tasty coffee the future is starting to look bright.Â

Finca Vista Hermosa is an award winning coffee plantation of three generations of dedicated coffee farmers in northwest Guatemala in the stunning highlands of the Huehuetenango region. The elevation is 4700-5600 feet and all of the land above the 5700 feet mark is native forest. This natural forest is completely wild nature preserve and home to the natural fresh water springs that feed the farm. The farm is covered in native shade trees that provide shelter and food for the birds, the perfect blend of sun and shade for the coffee trees and protects against soil erosion. Natural fertilizers rather than chemicals are tilled back into the soil to provide lush and healthy coffee trees that resist pests and disease. However it is our people that are our greatest asset. We provide them with medical and dental attention as well as regular training and supplies for them to continuously improve their hygiene which is the largest contributor to many health challenges they encounter. Finca Vista Hermosa supports schooling and continued education of the children of farm workers and does not employ underage laborers. There is a very strong family dynamic that certainly cannot be underestimated as younger kids play around their parents as they work and are able to spend the day with the family. This way every meal, every day is shared as a family.